Composers' Retreat

July 7 - July 21, 2019

Open to student composers at the graduate and undergraduate level or advanced high school students with significant theory and composition training.

The Program

Artistic Director Erin Freeman conducts Wintergreen Festival Artists in the world premiere performance of the score to Charlie Chaplin's The Vagabond - Music by the 2017 Composition Students

There are few places that are as idyllic as the Blue Ridge Mountains, where our composition students spend two weeks composing, working with esteemed faculty, and honing their craft.

Students at the Composers' Retreat will explore the intricacies of composing for film and string chamber ensembles, receiving world-premiere performances and recordings of works performed as part of the program.

What to expect

Private instruction. Prior to the Festival, all composers will receive one private lesson each from Daron Hagen and Gilda Lyons on works and projects to be featured at the Festival.

Composer work-shares with Daron Hagen and Gilda Lyons

Multiple classes including:

Working with a conductor

Writing for winds

Writing for strings

Writing for chorus

A world premiere performance and professional recording of one string chamber ensemble movement (3-6 players), performed by members of the String Academy and conducted by a member of the Conductors’ Summit.

A world premiere performance of a portion of Buster Keaton’s The Haunted House score performed live by professional Wintergreen Festival Artists.

A workshop of a piece for indeterminate ensemble made up of members of the composition and conducting programs. Composers are encouraged to use extended techniques, alternative music notation, directed improvisation, etc. .

MP3 recordings of at least two (2) scores submitted. Composers are encouraged to submit live-performance (concert or studio) recordings only; midi mock-ups are not required for works that have not yet been premiered.

One letter of recommendation

Applications accepted from advanced high school through post-graduate students.

Composers wishing to be considered for financial aid should submit a Statement of Need and the 2017 or 2018 federal tax return with social security number(s) removed of the person financially responsible for the program’s tuition. We encourage all applicants to apply for financial aid in addition to merit scholarship. Each is considered separately by different committees, and each committee can only evaluate the information provided by each applicant.

FEES

Application Fees: $45 on or before February 1

Beginning February 2, fee increases to $65

Tuition: $1600 (scholarships available)

Room and Board: $480 (Room and Board includes all food and lodging, free admission to the aquatics center, a Festival t-shirt, admission to all Festival events, and transportation to and from the Charlottesville airport, train station, or bus terminal.)